Chevrolet Colorado vs Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma: Dimensional Comparison
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In the beginning of September, we took a close look at the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Ford Ranger, comparing the exterior dimensions of the pickup trucks to see how they matched up. And now, by popular request from our readers, we’re adding another contender to the mix – the Toyota Tacoma.
With a commanding 49 percent share of the midsize pickup truck segment in 2018, the Tacoma is definitely the model to beat when it comes to commercial success. The Chevrolet Colorado, by comparison, saw a 27 percent segment share last year, while the GMC Canyon saw a 6.7 percent share and the newly-released Ford Ranger forging ahead. So we are placing all four side-by-side in the following dimensional comparison post.
For reference, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon offer identical exterior dimensions, so for the sake of simplicity, we’re lumping both together in this comparison.
Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Runner
Platform / Frame
Let’s kick things off with a brief look at what’s going on underneath the skin.
Both the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon run on the body-on-frame GMT 31XX platform, which was initially introduced as the bones for the international-spec second-generation Chevrolet Colorado/S-10, followed by the U.S.-spec 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon. The GMT 31XX platform is also used to underpin various international-market models, such as the Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-MAX, and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV, also known as the Holden Trailblazer and Holden Colorado 7. Both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive drivetrains are on offer.
Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 SuperCrew
As for the Ford Ranger, The Blue Oval brand’s segment entry utilizes the body-on-frame Ford T6 platform, which was initially launched back in 2011 for the then-new Ranger, and is also in use on Ranger derivatives like the Ford Ranger Raptor, as well as on the Ford Everest SUV. Looking ahead, elements of the Ford T6 platform are planned for use in the upcoming Ford Bronco, albeit in modified form. Like GMT 31XX, the Ford T6 Platform can accommodate either rear-wheel-drive, or four-wheel-drive.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD
And that brings us to the Toyota Tacoma, which differs from the Colorado, Canyon and Ranger by offering a fully boxed frame up front and double C-channel frame in back, as opposed to the fully boxed frames on the three domestic trucks.
GM Crew Cab, Short Box
With the platform and frame covered, let’s dive into the exterior dimensions, starting with the GM Crew Cab, Short Box configuration.
While each of these three automakers have their own names for it, the configuration basically includes four full doors for ingress and egress, as well as a five-foot bed in back. Ford calls this the SuperCrew, Five-Foot box combo, while Toyota calls it Double Cab, Short Bed.
Of the four models listed, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are the longest, both in terms of wheelbase and overall length. Greatest overall width goes to the Tacoma by a tenth of an inch, while the Ford Ranger is the tallest of the bunch.
| Dimension | Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon | Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in): | 128.3 | 126.8 | 127.4 |
| Length (in): | 212.7 | 210.8 | 212.3 |
| Width (in): | 74.3 | 73.3 | 74.4 |
| Height (in): | 70.6 | 71.1 | 70.6 |
| Segment: | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck |
| Platform: | GMT 31XX | Ford T6 | Tacoma |
| Configuration: | Crew Cab, Short Box | SuperCrew, 5-Foot Box | Double Cab, Short Bed |
| Dimension | Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon | Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3258.8 | 3220.7 | 3236 |
| Length (mm): | 5402.6 | 5354.3 | 5392.4 |
| Width (mm): | 1887.2 | 1861.8 | 1889.8 |
| Height (mm): | 1793.2 | 1805.9 | 1793.2 |
| Segment: | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck |
| Platform: | GMT 31XX | Ford T6 | Tacoma |
| Configuration: | Crew Cab, Short Box | SuperCrew, 5-Foot Box | Double Cab, Short Bed |
GM Extended Cab, Long Box
The second half of our comparison looks at the GM Extended Cab, Long Box configuration, which adds extra length to the bed, while decreasing the size of the rear seat with rear-hinged half doors in the back. Ford dubs this the SuperCab, Six-Foot Box configuration, while Toyota calls it the Access Cab, Standard Bed.
With many of the exterior dimensions carrying over from the previous cab-and-bed configuration, we find many of the same results as well. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are once again the longest with regard to wheelbase and overall length, while the Tacoma barely takes the title of widest. Interestingly, this combo sees the Ranger drop a few tenths with regard to overall height, but the Ford truck remains the tallest of the four pickups listed.
| Dimension | Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon | Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in): | 128.3 | 126.8 | 127.4 |
| Length (in): | 212.7 | 210.8 | 212.3 |
| Width (in): | 74.3 | 73.3 | 74.4 |
| Height (in): | 70.4 | 70.9 | 70.6 |
| Segment: | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck |
| Platform: | GMT 31XX | Ford T6 | Tacoma |
| Configuration: | Extended Cab, Long Box | SuperCab, 6-Foot Box | Access Cab, Standard Bed |
| Dimension | Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon | Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3258.8 | 3220.7 | 3236 |
| Length (mm): | 5402.6 | 5354.3 | 5392.4 |
| Width (mm): | 1633.2 | 1861.8 | 1889.8 |
| Height (mm): | 1788.2 | 1800.9 | 1793.2 |
| Segment: | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck | Midsize Pickup Truck |
| Platform: | GMT 31XX | Ford T6 | Tacoma |
| Configuration: | Extended Cab, Long Box | SuperCab, 6-Foot Box | Access Cab, Standard Bed |
That’s it for now, but we’ll be posting further comparisons soon, so subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, GMC Canyon news, Chevrolet news, GMC news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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What needs to be compared is ride, handling and braking.
This gets passed over in many reviews.
The GM twins have the best sorted suspension and brakes by far. Toyota still is saddled with drums and the Ranger suspension is not well sorted.
Why did you change from scott3 anyway, you never did tell ?
What’s about Crew Cab Long Bed? Oh, Ford doesn’t offer that while both GM and Toyota do.
Gm is still disposable cheap steal rust buckets, Ford is a ok with horrible design for a midsize ( full size aluminum are very quality although time will show how eco boost will perform at 300000k miles). Tacoma will keep ticking with those drum brakes and this Atkinson cycle with underpowered feeling. Since most of it is 30 year old technology I’ll run it for 30 years watching twins and long rangers born and die
“New Class Action Claims More Toyota Trucks Have Dangerous, Rusty Frames”. See Link Below
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jensen/2018/12/18/new-class-action-claims-more-toyota-trucks-have-dangerous-rusty-frames/#79df0f487302
RSB,
We get it, they ALL have the class action law suits !!
The customer simply has no where to turn !!
Look at the GM, class action lawsuits, even on these twins, 8 speed transmission junk !!!!!!
Just curious, any way to prove with facts, real numbers, what auto company has the most class actions going on ? Which one employees the most lawyers ?
Just asking !
This was simply a reply to the prior ridiculous comment by Matthew B: ” Gm is still disposable cheap steal rust buckets: Unlike many people on this post I have actually driven all 3 trucks extensively, even the new Ford. They all have Pro & Cons. Anyone shopping for a truck Should drive all 3 before buying as I have.
I have a 2015 Canyon, other than the transmission shift, that is now tuned out,
I love this truck and agree it is the clear winner, in my opinion !!
RSB, how have you driven the new Ranger extensively ?
Work for Ford ?
Because my opinion of extensively is longer than a 3 year lease or 36,000 miles at least !
Miles I guess you could have a few but is that extensively ?
Just asking.
No, I do not work for Ford. I work for a large national car rental agency and deliver vehicles to customers and to and from different rental Locations. We have had Rangers in the fleet since a month or so after they were available at dealerships. I drive dozens of all types of vehicles every day in all kinds of weather. This has afforded me the opportunity to drive cars from all of the manufacturers including Luxury brands from Jaguar Mercedes and BMW. Pickup Trucks are popular rentals and I drive them everyday; Ranger, Tacoma, Colorado, Canyon, F150, Siverado, Ram, Tundra, Titan and Fontier.
Thanks !
lifelongGMowner
I would think the company with the most vehicles on the road in the U.S. would have the most class actions going on. Also have the most lawyers. Also I would think the numbers skew towards the Detroit companies because their vehicles are larger and buyers are quick to upgrade.
Peter G.
I would think the GM class actions would have more to do with the grocery getters than, that’s where the numbers are !
Other than the 8 speed junk, aren’t most of the GM class actions on lower number sold vehicles ?
Corvette wheels, Cadillac Cue, Cadillac headlights, Etc. !
Just asking.
Buying anything but the Tacoma is a crapshoot. The Tacoma, despite its flaws, will outlast, outperform and retain it’s resale better than any big three product. Prove me wrong.
Ranger looks horrendous. All mismatched lame interior way too big taillights. Is this a millennial rookie designer debut project? It’s f150s ugly midget brother with birth defects.